How does a firewall protect a network?

Traffic Monitoring:

The firewall monitors all data packets coming and going on the network and allows or denies them based on pre-defined security rules.

Access Control:

The firewall sets special rules about which traffic can enter the network and which cannot. These rules are determined based on IP address, port number, and protocol.

Blocking Unauthorized Access:

The firewall prevents unauthorized users and dangerous content from entering the network. It protects the network from hackers and malware.

 

Network Address Translation (NAT):

Through NAT technology, the firewall hides the IP address of your private network from the outside network, giving the network additional security.

Protection Against DDoS Attacks:

The firewall can recognize DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks and block traffic that is trying to shut down the network.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) support:

The firewall supports VPN connections, allowing remote users to securely connect to the network.

Logging and Reporting:

The firewall keeps a log of network activities and reports suspicious activity, helping the administrative team monitor network security.